Saint Germanus of Auxerre

Biography

Saint Germanus of Auxerre, also known as Germain of Auxerre, was born in the year 378 in Auxerre, France, to a noble Gallic family. He was the son of Rusticus and Germanilla and grew up in privilege. Germanus embarked on a journey of education, studying general subjects in Arles and Lyon in France. He furthered his studies in rhetoric and civil law in Rome, Italy, spending a significant amount of time honing his legal skills. After completing his studies, Germanus embarked on a successful career as a lawyer, practicing law for several years. He married Eustachia, a member of the nobility with close ties to the emperor, and his worldly success continued to grow. In addition to his legal achievements, Germanus held the esteemed position of imperial governor of part of Gaul, with his headquarters based in Auxerre. While enjoying his worldly pursuits, Germanus maintained a curious attachment to an ancient tree that had been an object of pagan worship in the local community. He often adorned the tree with hunting trophies, using it as a display of his worldly accomplishments. This behavior drew the attention of Saint Amator of Auxerre, who condemned Germanus for setting a terrible example and leading people away from their Christian faith and back to pagan origins. However, Germanus paid no heed to Saint Amator's admonitions, continuing his attachment to the tree. Saint Amator, determined to intervene and bring Germanus back to the path of righteousness, took matters into his own hands. He cut down the tree and burned the trophies hung on it. Incensed, Germanus sought out Saint Amator with the intention of killing him. In a remarkable turn of events, Saint Amator managed to forcibly perform the tonsure on Germanus, symbolically making him a deacon. He implored Germanus to live as one destined to be a bishop, a directive that deeply impacted Germanus. Recognizing the intervention of the Holy Spirit, Germanus underwent a radical transformation and abandoned his former self-indulgent lifestyle. He devoted himself wholly to a life of prayer, study, and acts of charity. To further his spiritual journey, Germanus sought guidance from Saint Amator, but before long, Saint Amator passed away. Recognizing Germanus' spiritual growth and transformation, the people of Auxerre unanimously elected him as the bishop of the region on 7 July 418. As bishop of Auxerre, Germanus skillfully exercised his administrative talents. He recognized the importance of a humble life and gave away all his property to the poor, choosing to live as a pauper. He took on the responsibility of training other saints, including Saint Camilla, whom he converted and mentored. In 429, Pope Celestine I appointed Germanus and Lupus of Troyes as emissaries to the British Isles to combat the Pelagianist heresy. During their journey, Germanus crossed paths with the young child, Saint Genevieve, and there is a mention in some ancient documents that Saint Patrick was also part of Germanus' entourage. Germanus successfully fought against the spread of Pelagianism and traveled extensively, preaching and establishing seminaries. Notably, he trained Saint Brieuc of Brittany for his missionary work. After his mission in Britain, Germanus returned to France and obtained tax relief for the people in his diocese. He also oversaw the construction of the church of Saint Alban in Auxerre, a testament to his commitment to the faith. In 447, Germanus once again journeyed to Britain, accompanied by Severus of Trèves. Together, they evangelized in Wales and provided assistance to the Britons in their battle against invading Saxons and Picts. Their efforts proved instrumental in securing victory for the Britons. Upon his return to Gaul, Germanus discovered that the Armoricans in Brittany faced severe punishment for their rebellion against the empire. Moved by their plight, Germanus obtained a stay of execution, hoping to appeal their case to the emperor. In Ravenna, Italy, he met with Saint Peter Chrysologus and pleaded on behalf of the Armoricans to Empress Galla Placidia, successfully obtaining their pardon. Sadly, Germanus passed away shortly after in Ravenna, Italy, on 31 July 448, due to natural causes. His body was initially interred in the Oratory of Saint Maurice in Auxerre. However, it was later relocated to a church dedicated to Saint Germain, which was built by Queen Clotilda on the site of the Oratory. Centuries later, during the religious conflicts of 1567, the Huguenots desecrated the shrine and discarded the relics. It is believed that Saint Germain's relics are now housed in Saint Marion Abbey, although this cannot be definitively proven. Saint Germanus of Auxerre was officially canonized a saint in the Pre-Congregation era. He is revered as the patron saint of Auxerre, France, and San Germano Vercellese, Italy. His life serves as a testament to the transformative power of faith, as he changed from a worldly individual to a devout bishop dedicated to the service of God and others.